<p>Sokkermom1 has a son in Iraq. Do any other members of our CC family have loved ones in the military? Where are they spending Thanksgiving?</p>
<p>For those interested, this is what he and his brigade did on Veteran’s Day.</p>
<p>""BAGHDAD, Iraq – All across western Baghdad, Soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division took time, Nov. 11, to make an adjustment to their uniform; adding the distinctive Indianhead patch of the 2nd Inf. Div. to their right sleeves.</p>
<p>The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service, commonly known as the “combat patch” is authorized for wear on the right sleeve of the uniform by Soldiers to denote their participation in combat operations.</p>
<p>Roughly 4,000 troops from Fort Lewis based brigade combat team arrived in Iraq in the beginning of September, conducting operations across western Baghdad and north, to include the city of Taji. Of those Soldiers, approximately 1,200 received their first combat patch on Wednesday."…</p>
<p>"At a small ceremony held in front of the brigade headquarters, Soldiers representing every battalion received their patch from Col. John Norris, the brigade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Huggins, the brigade command sergeant major.</p>
<p>“It is, indeed, my honor to stand amongst you heroes, put your combat patches on, and welcome you to a very, very elite club,” said Norris, after the ceremony.“”</p>
<p>Their overall mission: The 4th Stryker Brigade is currently deployed to Iraq to train and mentor the Iraq Security Forces, and assist when asked by the Iraqis to help in all security operations.</p>
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<p>We would love to hear about other cc military experiences! (cc was very helpful guiding us through Son’s college experience (s), and is now helping us through the college process for his little sister.)</p>
<p>I first came to CC when S1 was a h.s. senior. S1 is now an Ensign (SpecOps) U.S. Navy, currently stationed in FL.<br>
He has Thurs-Sun. off so is flying in tonight to spend T’giving with us. Have to be at the airport in 3 hrs…not that I’m counting or anything.</p>
<p>Prayers go out for all those deployed and for their families here at home.</p>
<p>S1 is in Marine reserves. Not deployed. Thanks and prayers to all who are deployed and thanks to all who serve in any capacity.</p>
<p>We got a brief message this morning from S ! He doesn’t have a day off, but hopes to get some turkey. We are thankful we got the email. (They are 8 hours ahead of us.)</p>
<p>Lots of activity there now, so they all must be on alert. </p>
<p>[Bombs</a> shake Iraq before Muslim holiday - CNN.com](<a href=“http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/11/26/iraq.violence/]Bombs”>Bombs shake Iraq before Muslim holiday - CNN.com)</p>
<p>Glad to hear that he is ok this morning! Hope they keep his turkey and stuffing warm for him at the base! Happy Thanksgiving!</p>
<p>Thinking of your son, 1sokkermom, and of all those in harm’s way this Thanksgiving day. Also praying for peace of heart for those loved ones back home…</p>
<p>Just saw this… This is S’s brigade.</p>
<p>[Strykers</a> take time out to enjoy Thanksgiving feast | KOMO News - Seattle, Washington | Local & Regional](<a href=“http://www.komonews.com/news/local/75345062.html]Strykers”>http://www.komonews.com/news/local/75345062.html)</p>
<p>Hugs to you on this holiday, military moms (& dads)!</p>
<p>Our nephew is safe in CA right now, but is awaiting deployment after xmas. He is the same age as my DD and I can see that he has a deeper maturity and appreciation for all that he has been given because of his experiences. May God keep them safe.</p>